In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz sketched the contours of the first BMW motorcycle. BMW unveiled this R 32 in September 1923. Now, 100 years later, BMW Motorrad presents exclusive “100 Years” editions of the R nineT and R 18.
The BMW R 32 is a legend. The two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with shaft drive marks the beginning of the German success story that continues to this day and is continued by the Heritage model range of the BMW R nineT and R 18 Big Boxer.
To celebrate 100 years of BMW Motorrad, the Germans have released special “100 Years” editions of those two models, each produced in a limited edition of just 1,923 units.
R nineT 100 Years
According to the Germans, the understated design of the R nineT is the sign of 100 years of motorcycle construction and BMW Motorrad’s unbroken passion for the boxer engine. Characteristic elements are the classic roadster design with the compact tank, the upright seating position, the high-quality materials and effective style elements.
The R nineT 100 Years adds numerous special features, but the beating heart remains the proven air-oil-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine with an output of 109 hp, which powers the R nineT from the first version.
Most striking is the combination of paint and chrome, with BMW Motorrad taking inspiration from the R75/5 with its chrome-plated tank sides and side panels.
Chrome surfaces, with a copper or nickel base and a chrome-plated final layer, have traditionally been distinguished by their hardness and durability, their resistance to corrosion and their reflective shine. Because of these properties, chrome is very common in motorcycle design, in combination with high-quality paint.
The tank of both the R nineT 100th Years and the R 18 100 Years is finished in a combination of black paint, chrome and double white lines, supplemented with kneepads and a 100 Years badge.
Classic chrome also adorns the rear seat cover of the R nineT. The front fender is finished in black paint with double white lines. The upholstery of the buddy seat is in the color combination black and ‘oxblood’ red.
Numerous black colored parts, such as the front fork sleeves, the air intake snorkel and a number of Option 719 components complete the picture. The R nineT 100 Years is equipped with Option 719 wheels with black anodised rims and the Option 719 Shadow package with valve covers, engine cover, seat holders and oil filler cap made of machined aluminum.
Furthermore, the Option 719 Shadow II package is also standard. It consists of adjustable levers for clutch and brake, footrests (also for the pillion passenger), expansion tank covers, steering wheel, mirrors of machined aluminum.
Adaptive cornering lights and the Comfort package with heated grips, cruise control and Riding Modes Pro complete the extensive equipment.
R 18 100 Years
For the R 18 100 Years, an unmistakable central role is of course reserved for the 1,802 cc boxer engine with 91 hp, the thickest boxer ever for BMW motorcycles. Technique and appearance are borrowed from famous BMWs such as the BMW R 5 and are focused on the essence of motorcycling: puristic, uncomplicated technology and a boxer engine as the epicenter of driving pleasure.
The color scheme of the R 18 100 Years, like that of the anniversary model of the R nineT, is Classic Chrome with black paint, with high-gloss chrome surfaces and double white lines and a 100 Years badge. This concept is also reflected in the rear fender. The front fender and side panels. The Option 719 seat cover is available in the colors black and ‘oxblood’ red and finished in a high-quality diamond-shaped pattern.
Black has played an important role at BMW Motorrad over the years. The exact name is Avus Black – taken from the legendary race track in Berlin. BMW Motorrad factory rider Ernst Henne achieved many successes there; Henne can also be seen there in the Avus monument. The BMW Motorrad factory is also located in Berlin, in the Berlin-Spandau district to be precise.
The R 18 100 Years is also notable for its chromed parts. The high quality and durable electroplated coating can be found on the handlebars, handlebar clamps, bar end weights, shift pedal, footpeg holders, mirror housing, brake master cylinders, calipers, engine shroud, valve covers and intake tubes.
Other features of the BMW R 18 100 Years are the chrome-plated Akrapovič mufflers with perforated tailpipes in the propeller style of the BMW logo. The limited bicycle is also equipped with adaptive cornering lights, reversing assistance, cruise control and heated grips.
Optional ex works, the new BMW R 18 100 Years can be equipped with an alarm, backrest, running boards, Hill Start Control, fuel cap locking and reduced power for A2 driving license.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.